As shoppers move between digital and physical stores, retailers are looking for ways to connect the two experiences and keep customers coming back.
Shoppers want tech
Several new surveys have been conducted to determine the future of in-store technology. One from the International Council of Shopping Centers found that:
- 62% of shoppers want product information in-store without speaking to a salesperson.
- 55% are interested in using virtual reality for home décor shopping.
- 54% want an app to help them locate items from their shopping list while in the store.
To create a more integrated shopping experience, many retailers are adopting new technologies. For example, Target Circle alerts shoppers to current sales and lets them save coupons by category, all of which can be redeemed at checkout with a single scannable barcode.
Mobile apps have become a key way to blend online shopping with the in-store experience. Their popularity spans Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, with most shoppers using retailer apps weekly. Still, apps are just one part of the retail tech landscape.
Mobile payments are replacing wallets
Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming central to the in-store shopping experience. These services let shoppers check out with a simple tap of their phone or smartwatch. In fact, one Zynstra survey found that mobile payments are the most in-demand retail technology, followed closely by self-checkout.
What’s next for retail tech?
As mobile apps become more robust and businesses expand their payment capabilities, attention is turning to the next wave of innovation. Three major trends shaping the future of retail tech are robots, drones, and virtual assistants.
Some retailers are already experimenting. Amazon is exploring drone delivery, while Lowe’s is piloting in-store robots to help customers find products and assist employees with inventory.
Digital assistants are also evolving rapidly. Apple’s Siri was the first of many, and the technology has grown far beyond voice search. Now, companies like Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and Google are developing smart assistants that support a range of everyday tasks, including online shopping.
The future Is frictionless
With demand for in-store technology rising, retailers are responding. From apps and contactless payments to robots and AI, the goal is clear: a smoother experience for the everyday shopper.